TThhee TTuurriinn MMeenn

AA BBooookk ooff RReemmeemmbbrraannccee

This book commemorates the soldiers buried in the Town Cemetery and Meana Di Susa and Communal cemeteries in northern .

Most of the soldiers were not casualties of combat from the nearby battlefields, but died from illness or disease whilst travelling through Italy from other campaign areas of the First World War. They died between May 1918 and July 1919 and were known to have served in the Salonika campaign, the , India, Italy and France. Most of them had been treated at the ‘B’ of 29th Stationary Hospital which was situated in Turin.

‘‘WWee wwiillll rreemmeemmbbeerr tthheemm’’ TTuurriinn TToowwnn CCeemmeetteerryy

BBaakkeerr,, SSiiddnneeyy

Sapper, General Base Depot, (278194) died 2 May 1919 aged 32

Sidney Baker was born in 1886, the son of William and Mary Baker, of Pickering, Yorkshire. In 1901 Sidney, aged 14, was working as a Saddler’s Apprentice. By 1911 his father had died, Sidney was living with his mother and working as a Boot Dealer Assistant. His Medal Index Card shows that he served in the Prince of Wales's Volunteers (South Lancashire) Regiment (43491) and also as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers (278194).

His service record has not survived, so it is not possible to confirm where he served but there was a General Base Depot in Italy as elsewhere during the war. His entry in the ‘ Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929’, records that his death was due to an ‘accident’. Sidney is also commemorated on the war memorial on the Memorial Hall in Pickering. BBaarrnneess,, WWiilllliiaamm HHeerrbbeerrtt

Lance Corporal, 8th Bn. Cheshire Regiment (62802) died 12 April 1919 aged 21

William Herbert Barnes was born in Nottingham in 1898. He was son of William Arthur and Edith Mabel Barnes who in 1917 were living at 10, Bligh St., Wavertree in . His service record survived. William enlisted in Liverpool on 26 April 1917, aged 19 and was assigned initially as a Private in the 3rd Cheshire Regiment, although his records indicate that he was later transferred to the 8th . His mother was named as his next of kin but his father’s name also appears in his record. William’s occupation at the time of his enlistment was a sailor. He left Liverpool for India soon after enlisting, disembarking in Bombay and arriving at the British Infantry Depot in Kirkee (now known as Khadki) on 25 September 1917.

William was appointed as a Lance Corporal in January 1918. During 1918 he spent some time in the Deccan British War Hospital in Poona, firstly during the summer months with Influenza and then in October he was admitted for a longer period with Colitis. Copy of a postcard showing the Deccan British War Hospital Poona (© Lyn Edmonds)

Barnes, William Herbert (continued)

William Barnes was discharged from the hospital on 8 January 1919 and left for the UK on 12 January 1919 but he died in Italy whilst on his return. A telegram sent to his mother on 23 March 1919 reported that William was ‘dangerously ill’ at the Military Hospital in Faenza, Italy with suspected Dysentery. A further telegram dated 26 March 1919 indicated that he had been removed from the danger list. However, Mrs Barnes received a final telegram on 12 April 1919 informing her of the death of her son in the 29th Stationary Hospital in Turin. His cause of death was recorded as a Hepatic abscess.

William had three siblings, Margaret, aged 20, Madge aged 9 and Ronald aged 5. William’s property was returned to his family and there is a detailed poignant list of his effects in his records. They included: a watch case with photo; a diary; a set of cuff links; 2 brooches; a ring; a razor in case; a match box cover; writing pads, letters and cards; 2 drawing books; a fountain pen; 2 handkerchiefs and a tin containing a photo and paint brush. 10 Bligh Street, the Barnes family home in Liverpool today (© Google 2018) EEddmmoonnddssoonn,, RRoobbeerrtt HHeennrryy

Private, 2nd Bn. King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (31682) died on 11 October 1918 aged 19

Robert Henry Edmondson was born in Shipley, Yorkshire in 1899, son of Robert and Lucy Ann Edmondson. In 1911 Robert Henry had six siblings and the family was living at 8, Howard St., Shipley, Yorkshire. Robert’s Medal Index Card shows that he served first in the Royal Army Medical Corps (22680) and then in the 2nd Bn. King’s Shropshire Light Infantry (31682).

His service record has not survived, but the 2nd Bn. King’s Shropshire Light Infantry moved from the Western Front to Salonika, arriving there on 4 December 1915. ‘Soldiers who died in the First World War’, records his death as 15 October 1918 in Salonika, but his CWGC record gives a date of 11 October 1918 and he is buried in Turin. He almost certainly died in the 29th Stationary Hospital there on his return journey to the UK; his mother received telegrams informing her that Robert was dangerously ill and then one reporting his death.

Edmondson, Robert Henry (continued)

Robert‘s photograph appears in the Shipley Times and Express, 8 November 1918 p.1 and that same local newspaper includes this story just a few weeks later telling of the tragic suicide of Robert’s mother six weeks after hearing of her son’s death.

‘Mother's grief for her soldier son’ (Shipley Times and Express 6 Dec 1918 p.6) FFuunnnneellll,, HHaarrrryy EEddwwaarrdd

Major (DSO), Corps and General Staff (Italy) died on 10 December 1918 aged 30

Harry Edward Funnell was born on 4 December 1888, the son of Harry Thomas and Catherine Falconer Funnell of 6, Bishopsthorpe Rd., Sydenham, London and Oakmead, 147 Melfort Rd., Thornton Heath, Surrey. Harry Edward Falconer Funnell enlisted as a Private with the 14th London Regiment (1735) on 15 September 1914 and served in the First World War with the naval forces and the Army until his death in 1918.

He was commissioned as a Temporary Sub in the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) in March 1915 and served in the with the Benbow Battalion, 'C' , May – June 1915 and the Howe Battalion, September – October 1915. He is recorded in ‘The National Archives’ series, MH106, War Office: First World War Representative Medical Records of Servicemen’ as having received a bullet wound to his left arm and wrist on 10 June 1915. He was treated at 149th , then the Clearing Hospital on W Beach before being transferred to a hospital in Malta. He returned to his unit in September 1915 after treatment but was hospitalised again in Malta from November 1915 to February 1916. He re- joined his unit, was promoted twice, becoming Temp/Lt. Commander by the end of 1916 and on transfer to the Army he served as a Temporary Major with the Machine Gun Corps.

Funnell, Harry Edward (continued)

Harry Funnell is mentioned in ‘The Royal Naval Division’, by Douglas Jerrold’ (Hutchinson & Co., 1923; pages 178, 237): ‘when the Brigade machine-gun (Vickers) companies were formed by withdrawing the existing machine-gun sections from the , the 189th Brigade Company was commanded by Lt.-Commander H. E. Funnell, R.N.V.R’. He played a notable role in the Battle of Gavrelle, a significant Royal Naval Division engagement in France in 1917. At that time he sustained an injury after falling from his horse and was treated at 149th Field Ambulance from 15-18 April 1917. He was Mentioned in Despatches in May 1917 (The London Gazette, 15 May 1917, p.4744) and awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) on 4 June 1917 (The London Gazette, 4 June 1917, p.5470).

He died in Turin on 10 December 1918 whilst attached to the General Headquarters Staff (GHQ), Italy. The cause of his death was recorded as Pneumonia in ‘The V.C. and D.S.O. Volume 3, The Distinguished Service Order 1916 to date’, edited by Sir O'Moore Creagh and E.M. Humphris (1924; p.254). He was awarded the Croce di Guerra (Italia). He was the brother of Acting Lieutenant G.F. Funnell who also served with the RNVR, Anson Battalion and later the Machine Gun Corps.

Croce al Merito di Guerra (Source: Wikipedia) GGuubbbbiinn,, KKeennnneetthh RReeeedd

Company Quarter Master Sgt., 8th Bn. Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (15587) died 30 November 1918 aged 24

Kenneth Reed Gubbin was born in 1894, son of Francis and Catherine (nee Rogers) Gubbin at North Petherwin, Cornwall. In 1901 his father was a Restaurant Proprietor and Confectioner and the family were living at 8 East Street, Taunton, Somerset, but in 1904 Francis died. At that time Kenneth had six siblings. By 1911 Kenneth had returned to Cornwall and aged 17 he was working as a Waggoner for Mr. Samuel Veale Prout at Trebeath Farm, Egloskerry. His Medal Index Card shows that Kenneth enlisted as a Corporal with the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry and was eventually promoted to the rank of Company Quarter Master Sergeant (CQMS). He first entered the theatre of war in France on 22 September 1915. His Card also shows that an Emblem was awarded, which indicates that he was mentioned in despatches. This is recorded in ‘The London Gazette, Issue 29718, 22 August 1916 page 8291’.

His service record has not survived, but the 8th Bn. Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry was in Salonika from the end of 1915. He died of Pneumonia at the 29th Stationary Hospital in Turin aged 24. He is also commemorated on North Petherwin War Memorial in Cornwall. North Petherwin church and war memorial (© CC Copyright Shaun Ferguson)

Gubbin, Kenneth Reed (continued)

The experience of Kenneth Gubbin’s battalion in Salonika is described in ‘The History of The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry 1914-1919’, by Edward Wyrall (Methuen & Co., 1931 page 228): ‘They, nevertheless, waged war incessantly against disease and climatic conditions of the worst kind. The bare hills upon which they lived, the equally barren and stony valleys were hard places in which they passed an unenviable existence. Their casualties from shell and bullet were few, but their casualties from disease were, at times, counted in scores. It was so on all the Salonika front’.

British troops roadbuilding in Salonika © IWM (Q 32677) LLaannggaann,, TThhoommaass

Driver, 12th Corps Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery (43829) died 4 December 1918 aged 29

Thomas was born in 1889 in Darlington, the son of Mary Langan who was working as a grocer in 1891, although she died that year. Thomas lived with his uncle’s family after his mother’s death and by 1911 he was working as a groom in Benwell, Newcastle for Alexander John Dalgliesh, a Captain in the Army Veterinary Corps. In 1912 Thomas married Mary Elizabeth Hughf and they lived at 7, Durham St., Middlestone Moor, Spennymoor, Co. Durham. Thomas and Mary had 2 children, Ivy, born on 14 December 1912 and John, born on 27 October 1914. It must have been shortly after the birth of his son that Thomas signed up for service in the First World War. Thomas’ Medal Index card shows that he enlisted as a Driver with the Royal Field Artillery (RFA) and entered the theatre of war in France on 16 January 1915. His Driver Thomas Langan, Royal Field Artilllery, date pre-war experience with horses may and location unknown (Photo courtesy of Emma have influenced his enlistment as a Langan, his Great Granddaughter) Driver in the RFA.

Langan, Thomas (continued)

Thomas’ service record has not survived, but the 12th Corps Ammunition Column served in Salonika. His entry in the ‘Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929’, records that he died on 4 December 1918 at the 29th Stationary Hospital in Turin. His widow is named and also his 2 children. His cause of death is not recorded, but many soldiers who served in Salonika were victims of Malaria or Influenza and died at the 29th Stationary Hospital ‘B’ section in Turin British ammunition column moving along the Struma whilst being evacuated back Valley 4th October, 1916 © IWM (Q 32438) to the UK.

LLeewwiiss,, EEvvaann

Private, 5th Company, Imperial Corps (50487) died 10 April 1919 aged 25

Evan was born in 1893, the son of Thomas and Martha Lewis. His mother died shortly after he was born and in 1901 Evan was with his father and two of his nine siblings in Cefn Rhos, Caron-Is-Clawdd, Tregaron. In 1919 Evan’s father, a widower, was living with his daughters at Penrheol Cottage, Berth, Tregaron, Cardiganshire. In 1911 Evan was working as a ‘farm servant’ in Upper Lledrod, Cardiganshire but by November 1914 he had enlisted in the First World War. His Medal Index Card shows his service as a Private in the Pembroke Yeomanry (4591) and with the Imperial Camel Corps (50487) and the Corps of Hussars (60407).

The 1/1st Pembroke Yeomanry left the UK during March 1916 and moved to Egypt. The Imperial Camel Corps Brigade (ICCB) was a camel- brigade that was raised in January 1916 for service in the Middle East with the Egyptian Expeditionary Force. As Evan’s service record has not survived it is not possible to confirm the exact dates of his service with the ICCB. Although the 5th Company is recorded on his Pte. Evan Lewis, Pembroke Yeomanry, location and date unknown headstone, it is thought that along with most (Photo courtesy of Deryc Rees) Lewis, Evan (continued)

of the other Pembroke men he would have first joined the 6th Company of the ICCB in May 1916. The 6th Company, ICCB, was disbanded and incorporated within the 5th Company in January 1919 while the 5th Company was the last to be disbanded in May 1919. He would have seen action in the campaign against the Senussi tribesmen in Egypt, taken part in the Sinai Campaign, the advance into Palestine and the .

Evan Lewis was with the 9th Company ICCB when he was wounded in action (shrapnel) at the 2nd Battle of Gaza in April 1917. Evan survived the war, but he died from Influenza in the 29th Stationary Hospital at Turin on 10 April 1919, on his return from the The death of Private Evan Lewis was reported in The Cambrian Middle East, aged 25. News and Merionethshire Standard on 18 April 1919.

Lewis, Evan (continued)

After his death a poem was written in Evan Lewis’ memory back in Wales and a reprinted copy is available at the Ceredigion Archives in Wales. These poems were produced for circulation to friends and relatives and not for inclusion in publications, nor for a memorial service, but as a memento mori within the community. They may be described as ‘Cerddi Coffa’ (memorial poems) and were often written by local poets. It is written in Welsh and includes a printed photograph of Evan, and poems by T H Lewis (Evan’s cousin) and Ap Hefin Lewis, Evan memorial poem (Source (Henry Lloyd), the latter being named as Ceredigion Archives PRO.B3.5b). Click for a larger version. the printer of the original document. An English translation is available here.

Evan is also commemorated in his home town in Tregaron Memorial Hall. Click on the photo for a larger version. MMaacckkaayy,, AAlleexxaannddeerr SSuutthheerrllaanndd

Gunner, 8th Brigade, Australian Field Artillery (30137) died 18 December 1918 aged 34

Alexander Sutherland Mackay was born in Brisbane, on 3 June 1884, son of Donald and Mary Anne Mackay, of Galloways Hill, East Brisbane, . Alexander Mackay is the only Australian buried in Turin cemetery and his full service record and a collection of other documents relating to his military service can be found here in the Australian War Memorial archives. The collection consists of a diary kept by Gunner Alexander Sutherland Mackay from November 1916 to November 1918, and letters and cards sent to various family members in Australia, from October 1916 to December 1918.

Alexander enlisted on 1 July 1916, aged 32 and his occupation was a Bank Manager. He was unmarried and gave his Mother’s name as next-of-kin. He enlisted in , as a Gunner (30137) and was assigned at first to the , Australian Field Artillery. He left Sydney on 9 November 1916 aboard the troop ship HMAT Benalla (A24), arriving in Devonport, England on 9 January 1917. He describes the long journey in some detail in his diary, including the ports visited in South Africa and the fact that he spent a few days in hospital aboard the ship with Influenza.

Attached to a Reserve Brigade in England, his unit underwent training on Salisbury Plain at Larkhill and Bulford Camps before leaving Southampton for France in June 1917.

Mackay, Alexander Sutherland (continued)

In France Alexander Mackay joined the Ammunition Column and later spent time in the Trench Mortar School near St Omer. He transferred to the 8th Australian Field Artillery Brigade and saw his first action at the front line on the 20 September 1917 in the Ypres-Zillebeke area, a battle which would form part of the Third Battle of Ypres.

He received a period of leave in December 1917 and went to Paris meeting up with his brother, Ronald Stuart Mackay. He returned to the Front and remained in France during 1918. His service records show that on 13 December 1918 he started another period of leave which appears to say ‘Rouen’, but this should read Rome. Further research, using his diaries and letters that are in the Australian War Memorial archives have shown that he had been hoping for a visit to Rome and his last letter to his family read:

Final paragraph of letter from Alexander Sutherland Mackay to Roy [his brother], Brancourt, France, 4 November [December] 1918 (Source: Australian War Memorial)

Mackay, Alexander Sutherland (continued)

Alexander recorded his thoughts on the ‘flu outbreak in France and England in both his diary and in his letters to his brother Roy. Sadly, he succumbed to this illness shortly before his war would have ended and on his trip to Rome, which he had referred to on several occasions in his writings.

He was travelling with Bdr. H. J. Williams who later wrote to Alexander’s mother explaining that they had arrived in Milan on 10 December, but because they were both feeling unwell they decided to return to Paris. They got to Turin but were both admitted to the 29th Stationary Hospital there on Mackay, A. S. Gunner 8th Brigade Australian 13 December, where the letter says Field Artillery (30137) (Courtesy of Faithe that Alexander died some three days Jones discoveringanzacs.naa.gov.au) later. An extract from the letter is reproduced on the next page and the complete letter is available here.

Mackay, Alexander Sutherland (continued)

(Extract of letter courtesy of Nick Jorss)

Mackay, Alexander Sutherland (continued)

Alexander’s service records show confusion over the place and date of death, with Taranto on 9 December 1918, being replaced with 29th Stationary Hospital on 18 December 1918 (as recorded on his headstone). Elsewhere it says that he was admitted to 29th Stationary Hospital on 14 December 1918 with Influenza and that he died on 19 December 1918 in Taranto. The cause of death appears to be undisputed as Bronchial-pneumonia (lobar).

There is a letter concerning Alexander in the ‘Australian Red Cross Wounded and Missing Enquiry Bureau Files, 1914-18 War (1DRL/0428)’, which was from Major SE Lewis, Commanding Officer of 29th Stationary Hospital in April 1919. There had been an enquiry from the Australian Red Cross as to the details of his death and the whereabouts of his grave and the correspondence shows that there had been difficulties in verifying these details.

Alexander had 2 other brothers who served in the war, Archie Graham Mackay (313) who had been killed in Gallipoli in May 1915 and Ronald Stuart Mackay (6531) who survived. MMeettccaallff,, WWiilllliiaamm

Private, 8th Bn. Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry (16316) died 9 December 1918 aged 23

William Metcalf was born in 1895, son of William Charles and Clara Metcalf, of 3, Victory Avenue, Lupin St., Birmingham. In 1911 William, aged 16 was living with the family and he was working as a Leather Cutter. He had three sisters and a brother.

William’s Medal Index Card shows that he enlisted as a Private in the 8th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s DCLI cap badge (Source: Wikipedia) Light Infantry and arrived in France on 29 September 1915. Unfortunately, his service record has not survived so it is not possible to confirm any further details of his war. However, his battalion sailed from Marseilles for Salonika on 13 November 1915. It would seem probable that William was another victim of illness and died at the 29th Stationary Hospital in Turin on 9 December 1918 on his return to the UK.

The experience of William’s battalion in Salonika is described in ‘The History of The Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry 1914-1919’, by Edward Wyrall (Methuen & Co., 1931 page 228): ‘They, nevertheless, waged war incessantly against disease and climatic conditions of the worst kind. The bare hills upon which they lived, the equally barren and stony valleys were hard places in which they passed an unenviable existence. Their casualties from shell and bullet were few, but their casualties from disease were, at times, counted in scores. It was so on all the Salonika front’. MMoorrrriiss,, AArrtthhuurr

Gunner 18th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery (49517) died 19 May 1918 aged 29

Arthur Morris was born in September 1889 in Smethwick, Staffordshire, son of James and Sarah Morris, of Smethwick, Staffordshire. Arthur married Eliza Hyde, who at the time of her marriage was living at 35, Moilliet St., Dudley. Arthur and Eliza were married on 23 February 1914 at St Cuthbert's Church, Winson Green, Birmingham. Their son, Howard was born in September 1914 but died in March 1915.

His Medal Index Card shows that he enlisted as a Gunner in the 18th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery and arrived in Egypt on 5 June 1915 just a few weeks after the death of his son. Unfortunately, his service record has not survived, but it is known that the 18th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery later moved from Egypt to Salonika. His entry in the ‘Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901- 1929’, records that he died in the ‘B’ section of 29th Stationary Hospital on 19 May 1918. It would seem probable that Arthur was another Front cover of The War victim of illness and died in Turin on his way Illustrated 24 June 1916 British back to Britain. Heavy Gun Position at Salonika (© Salonika Campaign Society)

MMoorrrriiss,, JJaammeess

Private, 20th Bn. Manchester Regiment (17987) died 28 October 1918 aged 29

James Morris was born about 1890, son of William Morris, of 137, Brailsford Rd., Fallowfield, Manchester. He was the husband of Elizabeth Gibson Morris, of 18, St. Brendans Rd., Withington, Manchester.

James’ Medal Index Card shows that he enlisted as a Private in 20th Battalion, Manchester Regiment and entered the theatre of war in France on 9 November 1915. Unfortunately, his service record has not survived so it is not possible to confirm his movements, but it is known that the 20th (Service) Battalion (5th City Pals) landed at Boulogne in November 1915. In November 1917 the 20th Battalion moved with 7th Division to Italy in an effort to strengthen the Italian resistance to the Austria-Hungary army and they returned to France later in 1918. James is commemorated on the war Ruins of church at Spresiano near the memorial at Holy Innocents Church in Piave River, Italy 1918 © IWM (Q 26306) Fallowfield, Manchester.

MMuuiirr,, WWiilllliiaamm

Corporal, 2nd Bn. Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders (17441) died 7 December 1918 aged 24

Co Corporal Muir’s CWGC record does not contain any family information and at the time of his burial it appears that his full name was unknown. Fortunately it has been possible to locate some of his service records and piece together his earlier family life. William was born in Lugar, Ayrshire, Scotland in 1894. In 1901 his parents, Robert and Janet, were living with their children, Agnes, William, Jeanie, George and Janet at 471 Brick Row in the parish of Auchinleck, Ayrshire. They were still living there in 1911, by which time William, aged 18, was a Colliery Clerk working on a weigh bridge at local mines owned by Baird’s of Dalmellington.

William is known to have taught at Lugar Sunday School and his descendants have a copy of a book presented to him in 1909, which also contains a note, dated February 1915, referring to his leaving the teaching staff and joining the Cameron Highlanders.

From his Medal Index Card and service records we can see that William enlisted in Inverness on 1 March 1915 as a Private in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders (S/17441), aged 21 years.

Book presented to William Muir, with an insert dated Feb. 1915 (Photo courtesy of Scott McCann)

Muir, William (continued)

After a period of training in the UK, William served in France from 9 June to 26 November 1915 but was then transferred to Salonika, arriving there on 27 November 1915, where he served with his regiment until his death at the 29th Stationary Hospital ‘B’ section in Turin on 7 December 1918. Sadly, his records indicate that he had been granted leave to return to the UK and would have been on the journey home when he became ill. His cause of death is given as Influenza and Lobar Pneumonia. He had been promoted to Lance Corporal in 1916 and to Corporal in February 1918.

The surviving records include copies of telegrams sent to his family, at first reporting that he was ‘dangerously ill’ in 29th Stationary Hospital ‘B’ section and then another that was sent to say that he had died. William’s father also received letters from the hospital advising him of the seriousness of William’s condition and his death on 7 December. The family address in 1918 was given as Rosebank, Lugar, Ayrshire, the house where one of his great nieces lives today. Letter to the father of William Muir from 29 Stat Hospital B Section p.1 (Photo courtesy of Scott McCann)

Muir, William (continued)

Corporal Muir has 2 entries in the ‘Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901- 1929’. The first entry (836910) dated 26 April 1919 records that Corporal William Muir died on 7 December 1918 at the 29th Stationary Hospital in Turin. His legatees are named as Agnes McPherson, his father Robert, his brother George and his sister Janet. In a second and later entry (872892) dated 25 August 1919 his mother, Janet Simpson is named as his sole legatee.

The immediate next of kin of all who died serving with the British forces in the First World War were eligible to receive a bronze plaque of condolence with an accompanying scroll. These were known popularly as the Death Plaque or Penny, Dead Man’s Penny, or Widow’s Penny because of their resemblance to the coin. William’s descendants have the plaque and scroll which were sent to his family after his death.

Memorial plaque (left) and its accompanying scroll (right) for William Muir (Photos courtesy of Scott McCann) NNoorrrriiss,, SSyyddnneeyy FFrraannkk

Second Lieutenant, Royal Field Artillery (106186) died 28 April 1919 aged 22

Sydney Frank Norris was born in Coventry in 1897, the son of Frank Henry and Bertha Annie Norris. Before the First World War, Sydney was a Metallurgical Chemist. He first enlisted on 5 July 1915 as a Corporal in Royal Engineers (106186) and later became Second Lieutenant in Royal Field Artillery (RFA). His service records survived and have been consulted at the National Archives as they are not digitised. He entered the theatre of war in France on 17 July 1915 and served both there with the Royal Engineers (Special Brigade) and back in England until the end of 1918.

He had one offence listed in his records, which occurred in England in . He was ‘severely reprimanded’ for absenting himself for 45 minutes with a prisoner and the prisoner’s escort and being found in a canteen.

He is known to have received a gunshot wound to his right arm, shoulder and face in August 1916, returning to England for hospital treatment. He then returned to the Western Front and was wounded in action again in April 1917. He was treated at No.8 Stationary Hospital for a gunshot wound to his right leg. On his return to England in 1918 he attended the RFA cadet school for officer training, spending time in Devonport and Brighton. He received his commission as a Temporary Lieutenant with the RFA on 13 October 1918.

Norris, Sydney Frank (continued)

In 1919 Sydney was on his way to join the occupying forces in Egypt when he was taken ill and treated in the 29th Stationary Hospital in Turin. He died there on 28 April 1919 from Septicaemia.

At the time of Sydney’s death his father Frank was widowed and lived at 791, Foleshill Rd., Coventry and Sydney’s sister, Daisy, was living in London. His records include much correspondence between his family and the War Office as they struggled to settle his accounts; he died without leaving a will. The monies outstanding were finally agreed and sent to his father along with his son's personal effects.

Inventory of personal effects of 2nd Lt S. F. Norris, RFA (106186) (AFTWF) RRoobbssoonn,, AArrtthhuurr JJoohhnn

Gunner, 57th Brigade Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery (85133) died 28 November 1918 age 24

Arthur Robson’s CWGC record does not contain any family information and at the time of his burial it appears that his full first name was unknown. His Medal Index Card gives his first name as Arthur and shows that he enlisted as a Gunner (not Driver as in CWGC record) in the Royal Field Artillery (85133) and entered the theatre of war in France on 6 September 1915.

Robson, Arthur Gunner 57th Brigade Ammunition Column Royal Field Artillery (85133) extract from Medal Index Card

Access to his Pension Card has enabled his mother to be identified as Mrs E. S. Robson of 55 Leyton Rd., Stratford, E15 (London). The census confirms that Arthur John, aged 17 was living at that address with his parents, John James and Elizabeth Sarah and his 4 younger siblings in 1911.

Without his service record it is not possible to follow his journey throughout the war with certainty. However, the 57th Brigade Ammunition Column had moved to 26th Division in the autumn of 1917 and was in Salonika at the time of Arthur’s death. Arthur’s entry in ‘Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929’ confirms that he was serving in the 57th Brigade Ammunition Column, Royal Field Artillery, when he died in Turin on 28 November 1918. His Pension Card gives his cause of death as ‘Disease’. SSppiicceerr,, AArrtthhuurr HHeennrryy

Private, 2nd Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment (201676) died 25 May 1918 aged 32

Arthur Henry Spicer was born in 1887, son of Arthur Henry and Elizabeth Spicer, of 78, Warwick Rd., Kenilworth, Warwickshire. In 1901, aged 14, Arthur was working as a Plumber and Painter and a House Decorator in 1911. Arthur’s Medal Index Card shows that he enlisted as a Private (201676) in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and his entry in ‘Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929’ indicates that he died in Italy whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion of that regiment.

Without his service record, which has not survived, it is not possible to follow his journey throughout the war but the 2nd Battalion was engaged in various actions on the Western Front and moved from France to Italy in November 1917 in order to strengthen the Italian Resistance. It is thought that Arthur died of Pneumonia in the 29th Stationary Hospital. He is commemorated in England on the Kenilworth War Memorial and St Nicholas' Church in Kenilworth in Warwickshire.

Spicer, Arthur Henry Private 2nd Bn. Royal Warwickshire Regiment (201676) extract from Medal Index Card TTuurrnnoocckk,, RRoobbeerrtt

Air Mechanic 3rd Class, Royal Air Force (163334) died 30 June 1918 aged 22

Robert Turnock was born in 1896 in Talke, Audley, Staffordshire, son of Hugh and Selina Turnock. In 1901 the family was living in Audley and Robert was the youngest of 7 children; his mother died in 1904. By 1911 Robert, aged 15, was working as an Apprentice Fitter in a foundry works. He is known to have attended the Young Men’s’ Bible Class at Broadheath Congregational Church and was involved with the local bowling club and the Young Men’s Institute.

From his RAF service record we know that he enlisted in May 1918, giving his occupation as Engine Fitter and he served as a 3rd Class Air Mechanic. He was assigned to the Egyptian Expeditionary Force and appears to have been in Egypt from 17 June 1918 until his death just one month later.

His death was reported in the 12 July 1918 edition of the Altrincham, Bowdon and Hale Guardian indicating that ‘he died of double Pneumonia whilst at a rest camp abroad, on his way to the front’, giving the impression that he had not yet arrived in Egypt. However, he may have been on his return to the UK having been taken ill so soon into his service abroad. Turnock, R. Altrincham, Bowdon & Hale Guardian 12 July 1918 (Courtesy of Trafford Local Studies)

Turnock, Robert (continued)

Robert Turnock’s entry in ‘Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929’, confirms that he was serving in the RAF and that he died in the 29th Stationary Hospital in Turin and like his service record it gives a date of 1 July 1917, which differs from his CWGC headstone. His father, Hugh is named. Robert is also commemorated on memorials in the UK, on Broadheath Congregational Church Memorial and Altrincham Town War Memorial.

Turnock, R. commemorated on Broadheath Congregational Church memorial MMeeaannaa DDii SSuussaa CCoommmmuunnaall CCeemmeetteerryy

LLeewwiiss,, WWiilllliiaamm HHoowwaarrdd

Sapper, 246th Base Park Company, Royal Engineers (388450) died on 7 July 1919 aged 39

William Howard Lewis was born in 1880, son of John and Mary Ann Lewis, of 50, Brunswick St., Swansea. William’s Medal Index Card shows that he enlisted as a Sapper (388450) in the Royal Engineers. His service records have survived but they tell a story of difficulties, illness and a tragic end to his life whilst serving as a soldier during the First World War.

William enlisted in May 1916 aged 36 and he gave his occupation as a mason (bricklayer). He served with the 8th Company Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, both in the UK during 1917 and overseas as part of the British Expeditionary Force during 1918. His service record lists frequent offences such as disobeying orders, irregular conduct, absences, being improperly dressed, being unshaven, creating disturbances and drunkenness. He received regular punishments of ‘C.C.’, which meant that he was confined to camp and he was later deprived of pay. There are many mentions of ‘open arrest’.

In January 1919 William was admitted to the 51st Stationary Hospital which at that time had bases in both Genoa and Arquata, Italy. His records then show that in April 1919 he was ‘absorbed into 246th Base Park Company’, and in Arquata on 6 July 1919, he was ‘struck off strength’, and evacuated from the 38th Stationary Hospital to France.

Lewis, William Howard (continued)

William died near Meana on his journey home. His records include details from a Court of Enquiry into his death and it reports that he committed suicide by climbing through a lavatory window during the train journey. The RAMC casualty report details that he boarded the train at Arquata without an escort, was assigned to the Pharmacy coach with the medical staff being advised that he should not leave the coach without an escort. However, he later left the coach and managed to climb through a window in the lavatory and he was reported missing just before midnight on 6 July 1919.

It would seem that his body was later recovered as he was buried in Meana on 9 July 1919 in grave no.15. William’s CWGC entry indicates that his grave was later lost in the Meana di Susa Communal Cemetery and he is commemorated on a 'Kipling Memorial', in the cemetery. His personal effects, which included a newspaper, tins of trench powder, toiletries, tobacco, letters and a souvenir bank note, were returned to his sister, Mrs Margaret M Williams.

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Driver, 7th Div. Signal Coy., Royal Engineers (74852), died on 10 December 1918 aged 22

John Carey (almost certainly Corey, his mother’s maiden name) Alexander Taylor was born on 7 August 1896, the second son of John and Alice Amelia (nee Corey) Taylor, who at that time were living at 45 St James’ Place, Ashted, Birmingham. By 1901 the family had moved to 3 House, Back 20, Northumberland St., Vauxhall, Birmingham and they were still there in 1911 when John, aged 14 was working as a ‘Lorry Lad’, thought to be a delivery driver or similar. John’s Medal Index Card only confirms that he enlisted as a Driver with the Royal Engineers (74852) and without a service record we have little information about his First World War story.

However, it is fortunate that John’s medical record is available, one of only a small percentage retained in ‘The National Archives’ series, MH106, War Office: First World War Representative Medical Records of Servicemen’, and it indicates that he was treated for a high fever by the 14th Field Ambulance on 2 October 1917, then moved to No 11 Casualty Clearing Station for treatment on 6 Oct 1917 and then to the 18th General Hospital on 7 October 1917. These medical facilities were located near Godewaersvelde on the Belgian/French border, south-west of Ypres and may also suggest that John was with the at that time.

Taylor, John Carey Alexander (continued)

At the end of 1917, ‘A major change now occurred with 7th Division (and indeed the 5th) being one of five British formations selected to be moved to Italy. This was a strategic and political move agreed by the British Government at the request of the Allied Supreme War Council, as an effort to stiffen Italian resistance to enemy attack after a recent disaster at Caporetto. Many diaries at this time, by men who had witnessed slaughter in the floods of Passchendaele, talk of the move and Italy as being “like another world”. Much work was done preparing to move into the mountainous area of the Brenta, Bridging Company of the Royal Engineers at Sacile but eventually the Division was near Vittorio Veneto 1918 © IWM (Q 26753) instead moved to the line along the River Piave, taking up positions in late January 1918. In October 1918 the Division played a central role in crossing the Piave, the Battle of Vittorio Veneto and the eventual defeat of Austria-Hungary’. From ‘The Long, Long Trail’: https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/order-of-battle-of- divisions/7th-division/

Taylor, John Carey Alexander (continued)

It is known from John’s entry in the ‘Army Registers of Soldiers' Effects, 1901-1929’, that his death was due to an ‘accident’, although incorrectly described as being in France. The full details of John’s death have been confirmed following the discovery of a document in the archives of the Municipality of Oulx, the village where John died. The Mayor of Oulx has provided us with a copy of a report from 1919 that refers to John Taylor’s death and this has been translated for us.

Municipality of Oulx Register of deaths 1919 with report of the death of JAC Taylor

Taylor, John Carey Alexander (continued)

The report explains that at 2:53pm on 10 December 1918, the train 7034 from Turin which was used as a service for the British military, left Oulx station for after a stop at Oulx of two hours and 9 minutes imposed by the lack of electricity. It would seem that John Taylor had left the train and was waiting in the village of Oulx, but found himself about to miss the departing train which was already moving when “he ran past the door of the gate next to the station, launching himself towards the convoy to climb on it, but unfortunately slipped, falling under a carriage and being crushed by the wheels”. Given the direction that the train was travelling it is possible that John was returning home when he died so tragically.

Oulx railway station (© 2018 Oulx.org) AAcckknnoowwlleeddggeemmeennttss

This project was carried out by ‘Away from the Western Front’ with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Research and text: Lyn Edmonds Design and layout: Robin Clutterbuck Photographs of cemeteries and headstones: Emma Pace

© Away from the Western Front, 2019

The British Red Cross Hospital, Turin c.1918 (© Wellcome Collection)